TPG to deliver crew protection kit for USMC’s CH-53K helicopter

Point Blank Enterprises company The Protective Group (TPG) has secured a contract to develop armour for the US Marine Corps’ (USMC) new CH-53K helicopter.

Awarded by Lockheed Martin company Sikorsky Aircraft, the contract will involve the delivery of the lightweight crew protection kit comprising individual ballistic panels installed beneath the cabin and ramp floor and within the cabin side frames.

Point Blank Enterprises Business Development executive vice-president Mark Edwards said: “Our experience in rapid development and fielding of reliable lightweight aircraft survivability solutions was key to Sikorsky’s decision to select us as their CH-53K programme partner.

“We are incredibly proud that Sikorsky selected us to provide a survivability package for such an important and long-term programme.”

Point Blank Enterprises focuses on providing a wide range of survivability solutions for both military and commercial air, land and sea applications.

The CH-53K King Stallion is a dual-piloted, multi-engine, heavy-lift helicopter that would provide the USMC with increased heavy lift capability and enhanced interoperability while reducing its operating costs.

Designed to serve as the USMC’s critical land and sea-based logistics connector, the CH-53K helicopter can conduct a wide range of missions, which include humanitarian aid, troop transport, casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), support of special operations forces, and combat search and rescue (CSAR).

The aircraft has the capability to carry an external load of 27,000lb over 110nm in high / hot conditions and at an altitude of 3,000ft.